Premier League forced to release statement after Chelsea handball incident vs Arsenal

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella avoided being penalised for a handball during their clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Chelsea survived a scare after it was deemed that there was 'no clear or deliberate action'.

The Gunners felt aggrieved that the Spanish full-back escaped punishment for an alleged handball during the first-half of their clash at the Emirates Stadium.

It occurred during the first 15 minutes when Jurrien Timber jostled the former Brighton & Hove Albion left-back with Cucurella moving towards the ball as he went down. However, referee Chris Kavanagh wasn't interested in awarding the Gunners a penalty kick.

The Premier League's official Match Centre account offered an explanation for the no-penalty decision. They said in a tweet: "The referee’s call of no penalty for handball by Cucurella was checked and confirmed by VAR – with his arm deemed to be in an expected position with no clear or deliberate action towards the ball."

The incident was redundant shortly after when Mikel Merino's front-post header looped into the back of the net. The Spaniard's effort was his fourth goal in seven appearances as Arsenal's wait for a set-piece goal came to an end.

With Liverpool out of action due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, the Gunners were looking to reduce their lead at the top of the league. Triumph for Mikel Arteta's side would've cut the deficit to 12 points going into the final games of the season.

The North London club could cut away at the margin further as they host Fulham after the international break before the Anfield club take on Everton in the Merseyside derby.